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{{expansion}}
{{unnamed}}
{{battle
{{battle
|name=Sack of Eregion
|name=Sack of Eregion
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|date={{SA|1697}}
|date={{SA|1697}}
|place=[[Eregion]]
|place=[[Eregion]]
|result=Destruction of Eregion, founding of [[Imladris]]
|result=Victory for [[Sauron]]
|side1=[[Elves of Eregion]] and [[Dwarves of Khazad-dum]]
*Destruction of Eregion
|side2=Hosts of [[Mordor]]
*Founding of [[Rivendell|Imladris]]
*[[Doors of Durin]] shut
|side1=[[Elves of Eregion]]<br />
[[Elves of Lindon]]<br />
[[Galadhrim|Elves of Lórinand]]<br />
[[Dwarves of Khazad-dum]]
|side2=Forces of [[Sauron]]
|commanders1=
|commanders1=
{{Celebrimbor blazon|died}}
[[Celebrimbor]] †<br />
*[[Elrond]]
[[Elrond]]<br />
*[[Celeborn]]<ref name="Galadriel">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>
[[Celeborn]]<br />
* [[Durin III]]
[[Amroth]]<br />
|commanders2={{Sauron blazon}}
[[Durin III]]
|forces1=Large force of [[Elves of Eregion]] and [[Dwarves of Khazad-dum]]
|commanders2=[[Sauron]]
|forces2=Large force of [[Orcs]], [[Men of Darkness|Evil Men]], and other creatures of Sauron
|forces1=Unknown
|casual1=Many Elves and Dwarves; most notably [[Celebrimbor]]
|forces2=Unknown, greater than the Elves
|casual1=Heavy
|casual2=Unknown
|casual2=Unknown
}}
}}
 
The '''sack of Eregion''' was the destruction of the [[Noldor]]in realm [[Eregion]] by the armies of [[Sauron]] in the [[Second Age]]. Sauron invaded Eregion to claim the [[Rings of Power]], including the [[Three Rings]], which were crafted without his knowledge.
The '''Sack of Eregion''' was the campaign in which [[Sauron]] destroyed [[Eregion]] to find the three Elven Rings of power or to find out where they are by torture. He also scattered the [[Elves]] that lived there.


==Background==
==Background==
[[Sauron]], after failing with [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]], targeted the Gwaith. In the guise of [[Annatar]] the "Lord of Gifts" in {{SA|1200}} he presented himself as an agent of the [[Valar]] and taught them how to forge the [[Rings of Power]]. The [[Gwaith-i-Mirdain]] were easily tempted since they wanted to bring to [[Middle-earth]] the joys of Valinor<ref>{{S|V}}</ref><ref name="L">{{L|131}}</ref>. The Rings would prevent or slow the decay of the mortal world, preserve what was desired or loved and also enhance the natural powers of a possessor even if that would mean disrupting the natural course of the mortal world.<ref name="L"/><ref>{{L|181}}</ref><ref>{{L|154}}</ref>
{{seealso|Rings of Power}}
 
In {{SA|1200}}, [[Sauron]] came to [[Eregion]] in disguise, claiming to be an emissary of the [[Valar]] sent to offer aid to the [[Eldar]]. Although rejected by [[Gil-galad]], he was able to win over [[Celebrimbor]] and the smiths of Eregion. The brotherhood of smiths, the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], profited from his knowledge,<ref name="Galadriel">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref> and around {{SA|1500}} they began forging the [[Rings of Power]], finishing them in {{SA|1590}}.<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref> Unbeknownst to them, Sauron (who had returned to [[Mordor]]) created a master [[One Ring|Ring]] to rule the others. However, when the Elves perceived the designs of Sauron, they took off their [[Three Rings]] and gave them into the safekeeping of Elven bearers, preventing the use of the Three Rings which Sauron craved most.<ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref>
The Gwaith together with "Annatar" made several rings in {{SA|1500}}. Because of their friendship with the Dwarves, Celebrimbor presented King [[Durin III]] with [[Ring of Thrór|a Ring of Power]]<ref>{{App|A3}}</ref>. When Annatar had left (actually for [[Mordor]]) about {{SA|1590}} Celebrimbor made the [[Three Rings]]<ref>{{FR|I2}}</ref> partly using the teachings of "Annatar".
However, Sauron secretly forged [[the One Ring]] in [[Orodruin]], the mountain of [[Mordor]]. When Sauron took up his own [[One Ring|Ring]], the Elven wielders of the [[Three Rings]] understood his intentions and his centuries of planning came to nothing.


==The Battle==
==History==
Infuriated by Celebrimbor's defiance, Sauron led a host out of Mordor.<ref name="Galadriel">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref> In {{SA|1695}} this army invaded [[Eriador]] from the south.<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> Gil-galad sent out a force under the command of [[Elrond]] which joined with Celebrimbor, but they were unable to prevent Sauron from conquering Eregion.
===Prelude===
Infuriated by Celebrimbor's defiance, Sauron led his host out of Mordor and invaded Eriador in {{SA|1695}}.<ref name=SA/> In response to the attack, Gil-galad sent out a force under the command of [[Elrond]] to aid Celebrimbor, as well as send word to [[Númenor]] for assistance.<ref name="Galadriel"/> Sauron also sought to recruit some [[Haradrim]], but because two [[Wizards]] had influence among them, Sauron's dominance was not entirely successful, and he took a long time to attack Eregion.<ref name="NM3">{{NM|P3xviii}}</ref>


In {{SA|1697}}, [[Ost-in-Edhil]] fell, with [[Celebrimbor]] himself leading a last desperate defence on the steps of the Jewel-smiths' guild house. He was taken captive by the [[Orcs]], then shot through with Orc-arrows, and by some accounts, Sauron used Celebrimbor's body as a banner as he turned to face Elrond's army approaching from the north.
===Battle===
[[Celeborn]] led a sortie from Eregion and drove back the vanguard of Sauron's host, later combining forces with Elrond and the reinforcements from [[Lindon]]. As Sauron's host drew closer, the defenders of Eregion could no longer hold him off, because their forces were greatly outnumbered. Sauron's forces surrounded Eregion, thus preventing Elrond and Celeborn from returning there.<ref name="Galadriel"/>


Elrond too would have been overwhelmed but for an attack upon Sauron's force from the rear by [[Dwarves]] from [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]]. Elrond was able to gather what remained of the Elves of Eregion and retreated northward.<ref name="Galadriel"/>
In {{SA|1697}},<ref name=SA/> [[Ost-in-Edhil]] fell, with [[Celebrimbor]] himself making a last desperate stand on the steps of the [[House of the Mírdain]]. He was taken captive by the [[Orcs]]. Sauron took the [[Nine Rings]], and had Celebrimbor tormented into revealing the location of the [[Seven Rings]]. Afterwards, Celebrimbor was shot through with Orc-arrows, and by some accounts, Sauron used Celebrimbor's body as a banner as he turned to face the host of Elrond.<ref name="Galadriel"/>


It is said that [[Celeborn]] fought in the Sack of Eregion, and he and [[Elrond]] narrowly escaped to a dell, where the latter founded [[Rivendell]].<ref name="Galadriel"/>  
Elrond would have been overwhelmed, but the host of Sauron was attacked from the rear by the [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] and the [[Galadhrim|Elves of Lórinand]] led by [[Amroth]]. Sauron halted his pursuit of Elrond and turned on the Dwarves and Elves at his rear, quickly defeating them, though this allowed Elrond and his forces to escape.<ref name="Galadriel"/>


Still, other survivors escaped into [[Khazad-dûm]] and were granted passage by their friends the [[Dwarves]], coming eventually through the [[Misty Mountains|Mountains]] to the woodlands that would long afterwards be called [[Lórien]]. The [[Dwarves of Khazad-dûm]] indeed did more than simply allow the Elves to pass through their mansions; they went out against Sauron's armies. It was through their aid that the beleaguered Elrond was able to escape into the north and thus save many of the Elves of Eregion.<ref name="Galadriel"/>
===Aftermath===
Elrond was able to gather what remained of the Elves of Eregion and retreated northward and established a refuge, [[Rivendell|Imladris]].<ref name="Galadriel"/> Other survivors escaped into [[Khazad-dûm]]<ref name="Galadriel"/> and were granted passage by their friends the [[Dwarves]], eventually coming through the [[Misty Mountains|Mountains]] to the woodlands that would long afterwards be called [[Lothlórien]]. The Gates of Moria were shut and remained so until the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] came there thousands of years later.{{fact}}


==Aftermath==
Sauron had obtained all the [[Rings of Power]] save the [[Three Rings]], which he perceived were given to Elvish guardians: Gil-galad and [[Galadriel]]. The host of Sauron ravaged much of Eriador, pressing west to Lindon, where Sauron hoped to seize one of the Three. Furthermore, Sauron sent a bulk of his forces to [[First Siege of Imladris|besiege]] Elrond, in order to prevent him from assailing his rear.<ref name="Galadriel"/>
[[Elrond]], [[Celeborn]], [[Elves of Lindon]], and other Elves who fled the destruction of [[Eregion]], established [[Imladris]] in {{SA|1697}}.<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> Many more refugees joined Elrond's host as Sauron ravaged Eriador during the course of the war. By {{SA|1700}}, Imladris, despite being [[First Siege of Imladris|besieged]], was the only part of [[Eriador]] not under Sauron's control.  It was liberated by [[Gil-galad]]'s and [[Tar-Minastir]]'s forces. After Sauron's defeat, a Council was held at that time, establishing Elrond as Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador and that Imladris should be maintained as an Elvish stronghold.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>


Once the Dwarves returned to Khazad-dûm, the [[Doors of Durin]] were shut and remained so until the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] came there thousands of years later.
==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:In the skirmish instance, "Doom of Caras Gelebren", the player takes part defending the city against Sauron's forces.


Just as Sauron's victory looked secure, a great navy appeared in the north, carrying the forces of [[Númenor]] sent by [[Tar-Minastir|King Tar-Minastir]]. The [[Númenóreans]] put Sauron's armies to rout, and forced them back out of the [[Westlands]]. So Eriador was saved, but Celebrimbor's kingdom of Eregion had been wiped out, and a great many of the Rings of Power had fallen into the hands of Sauron.
'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:Sauron's attack on Eregion can be seen in a flashback when the player interacts with Celebrimbor's heirlooms. Celebrimbor is seen fighting orcs before being defeated by Sauron.


{{References}}
{{References}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]

Latest revision as of 21:38, 13 March 2023

This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.
Sack of Eregion
The Lord of the Rings (film series) - City of Ost-in-Edhil mural.jpg
Conflict: War of the Elves and Sauron
Date: S.A. 1697
Place: Eregion
Outcome: Victory for Sauron
Combatants

Elves of Eregion
Elves of Lindon
Elves of Lórinand
Dwarves of Khazad-dum

Forces of Sauron

Commanders

Celebrimbor †
Elrond
Celeborn
Amroth
Durin III

Sauron

Strength

Unknown

Unknown, greater than the Elves

Casualties

Heavy

Unknown

The sack of Eregion was the destruction of the Noldorin realm Eregion by the armies of Sauron in the Second Age. Sauron invaded Eregion to claim the Rings of Power, including the Three Rings, which were crafted without his knowledge.

Background[edit | edit source]

See also: Rings of Power

In S.A. 1200, Sauron came to Eregion in disguise, claiming to be an emissary of the Valar sent to offer aid to the Eldar. Although rejected by Gil-galad, he was able to win over Celebrimbor and the smiths of Eregion. The brotherhood of smiths, the Gwaith-i-Mírdain, profited from his knowledge,[1] and around S.A. 1500 they began forging the Rings of Power, finishing them in S.A. 1590.[2] Unbeknownst to them, Sauron (who had returned to Mordor) created a master Ring to rule the others. However, when the Elves perceived the designs of Sauron, they took off their Three Rings and gave them into the safekeeping of Elven bearers, preventing the use of the Three Rings which Sauron craved most.[3]

History[edit | edit source]

Prelude[edit | edit source]

Infuriated by Celebrimbor's defiance, Sauron led his host out of Mordor and invaded Eriador in S.A. 1695.[2] In response to the attack, Gil-galad sent out a force under the command of Elrond to aid Celebrimbor, as well as send word to Númenor for assistance.[1] Sauron also sought to recruit some Haradrim, but because two Wizards had influence among them, Sauron's dominance was not entirely successful, and he took a long time to attack Eregion.[4]

Battle[edit | edit source]

Celeborn led a sortie from Eregion and drove back the vanguard of Sauron's host, later combining forces with Elrond and the reinforcements from Lindon. As Sauron's host drew closer, the defenders of Eregion could no longer hold him off, because their forces were greatly outnumbered. Sauron's forces surrounded Eregion, thus preventing Elrond and Celeborn from returning there.[1]

In S.A. 1697,[2] Ost-in-Edhil fell, with Celebrimbor himself making a last desperate stand on the steps of the House of the Mírdain. He was taken captive by the Orcs. Sauron took the Nine Rings, and had Celebrimbor tormented into revealing the location of the Seven Rings. Afterwards, Celebrimbor was shot through with Orc-arrows, and by some accounts, Sauron used Celebrimbor's body as a banner as he turned to face the host of Elrond.[1]

Elrond would have been overwhelmed, but the host of Sauron was attacked from the rear by the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm and the Elves of Lórinand led by Amroth. Sauron halted his pursuit of Elrond and turned on the Dwarves and Elves at his rear, quickly defeating them, though this allowed Elrond and his forces to escape.[1]

Aftermath[edit | edit source]

Elrond was able to gather what remained of the Elves of Eregion and retreated northward and established a refuge, Imladris.[1] Other survivors escaped into Khazad-dûm[1] and were granted passage by their friends the Dwarves, eventually coming through the Mountains to the woodlands that would long afterwards be called Lothlórien. The Gates of Moria were shut and remained so until the Fellowship of the Ring came there thousands of years later.[source?]

Sauron had obtained all the Rings of Power save the Three Rings, which he perceived were given to Elvish guardians: Gil-galad and Galadriel. The host of Sauron ravaged much of Eriador, pressing west to Lindon, where Sauron hoped to seize one of the Three. Furthermore, Sauron sent a bulk of his forces to besiege Elrond, in order to prevent him from assailing his rear.[1]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

2009: The Lord of the Rings Online:

In the skirmish instance, "Doom of Caras Gelebren", the player takes part defending the city against Sauron's forces.

2014: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor:

Sauron's attack on Eregion can be seen in a flashback when the player interacts with Celebrimbor's heirlooms. Celebrimbor is seen fighting orcs before being defeated by Sauron.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age"
  3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"
  4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Three. The World, its Lands, and its Inhabitants: XVIII. Note on the Delay of Gil-galad and the Númenóreans"
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